Diners across Syracuse and Buffalo are mourning the impending closure of the beloved vegan restaurant Strong Hearts.
The restaurant, which opened in Syracuse in 2008 before expanding to a second location in Buffalo in 2022, has long been a favorite with New Yorkers, loved for its plant-based twists on everything from loaded fries to Reuben sandwiches to chicken salads, burgers, and, of course, buffalo wings.
But at the beginning of July, Strong Hearts revealed that after years of financial struggles, it was saying goodbye to both of its locations. “This decision did not come suddenly, and it was not made lightly,” a statement from co-owners Joel Capolongo and Nick Ryan, posted to social media, reads. “Over the past several years, the financial realities of operating independent restaurants have become incredibly difficult.”
The post went on to highlight issues such as debt, rising costs, operational challenges, and personal burnout.
“It’s hard to fully put into words what Strong Hearts has meant to us,” the statement continues, before adding, “the amount of love, loyalty, and support this community has shown us over nearly two decades is something we will carry with us forever.”
Customers were quick to express their sadness at the news, with many highlighting just how much Strong Hearts has meant to them.
“My first fully vegan meal way back in the day, in the small café in Syracuse, changed my life… period,” wrote one Instagram user. Another added: “As one of the first vegan restaurants in Upstate (if not, the first?), you led the way and showed us what was truly possible with plant-based dishes.”
Strong Hearts
Diners and restaurateurs fight to keep vegan eateries alive
Strong Hearts is far from alone. The hospitality industry is in crisis right now, and vegan restaurants are being squeezed financially more than ever. In June, Tucson’s Lovin’ Spoonfuls announced it was resorting to GoFundMe in a bid to keep the doors open, while in April, Chef Babette Davis announced that Los Angeles favorite Stuff I Eat was closing.
Some are not ready to let the dream die. In May, Oakland vegan institution Millennium closed, but in June it announced it would reopen with fewer seats and staff. “The unexpected and overwhelming support from patrons, both new and old, truly convinced us to move forward,” founding chef Eric Tucker told VegNews. “It reinforced our belief that there is still a strong market and a dedicated community for a restaurant like ours in the East Bay.”
Strong Hearts
Strong Hearts has also seen a wave of support since it announced its closure. It has even increased its opening hours in a bid to cope with high demand, and has admitted it has been unable to handle online orders since the announcement.
Many social media supporters have also encouraged Capolongo and Ryan to continue in a new format by releasing a cookbook or starting a food truck, but neither has yet to comment on any future plans.
For now, Strong Hearts is focused on winding down operations. The last day at its Syracuse location will be July 18, while it will close its doors for the final time in Buffalo on July 11.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
